Tomorrow, the nation observes Constitution Day and Citizenship Day amidst a generationally significant crisis in American democracy.

At Democracy Forward, we are committed to achieving the promise of democracy on behalf of all Americans, to ensuring that the Constitution’s promises are fulfilled for all people, and to reversing the harmful course in the courts and in states and communities throughout the country.

Thank you for being part of our community.

Representing America

We provide legal representation and expert counsel to people and communities who make up the fabric of American democracy. Here are some highlights from our latest work.

Breaking

Demanding Transparency from Texas State Officials Over the Withholding of Maternal Mortality Data

Texas has delayed  release of maternal mortality data and expert recommendations for addressing the maternal health crisis in the state until summer of 2023. The delay means lawmakers likely won’t be able to use the analysis and recommendations from the report until the 2025 legislative cycle.

Texas has the 7th highest maternal mortality rate in the US. It has not expanded Medicaid and the risk of serious pregnancy complications has only doubled since Texas’ abortion ban. We launched an investigation into the withholding of the data because Texans deserve insight as to why the state’s officials chose to not spend resources to improve maternal health outcomes.

Update

Rebuking an Abuse of Power by the Attorney General of Louisiana

Last month, at the request of Republican state Attorney General Jeff Landry, the Louisiana State Bond Commission voted to halt millions in funding to tackle flooding issues over the city’s opposition to the state’s near-total abortion ban. In response, we sought records from the state to assess whether the conduct was appropriate.

Yesterday, the Commission voted again – this time against Landry’s push to deny funds – in a critical rebuke against a blatant abuse of power by AG Landry. Despite this win, we remain committed to ensuring the public receives the full transparency it deserves.

Breaking

Challenging the Trump Administration’s Anti-Immigrant Policies

Throughout his administration, President Trump and Stephen Miller furthered their anti-immigrant agenda through repeated efforts to revise the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State rules surrounding “public charge,” a provision that bars immigrants who are primarily dependent on public assistance from coming to the US. Democracy Forward and the City of Baltimore sued in 2018 over the State rule and have fought back every step of the way.

This week, the Biden administration issued a new Department of Homeland Security rule restoring the definition of public charge. We’re waiting for the administration to issue a parallel rule for the State Department – sweeping these policies from the books once and for all.

Stories Worth Following

• NPR Is America a democracy or a republic? Yes, it is
• The Atlantic The Joy of Voting
• The Guardian History will judge Republicans who stay silent about the big lie

What We’re Monitoring

• The Bulwark The Risk of the Right-Wing Push to Rewrite the Constitution
• The New York Times The Greatest Threat to Democracy Is a Feature of Democracy
• Bloomberg A Texas Judge Just Took Religious ‘Freedom’ Too Far

Twitter Takes

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Sidebar

ANNOUNCEMENT: We’re Building a Deeper Bench

We are pleased to announce that Joe Gaeta, a Department of Justice and Capitol Hill veteran, will be serving as Democracy Forward’s Director of Oversight and Engagement. He will lead our oversight work to scrutinize and expose the rise of anti-democratic extremism in states, courts, and communities across the country

Learn more about Joe and the other amazing new team members who are helping us expand the scope and impact of our work to meet this moment.

Get Involved

SAVE THE DATE: Banned Books Week

Next week is Banned Books Week, an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Typically held during the last week of September, it spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools.

Learn more.

SPREAD THE WORD: Constitutional Accountability Center Accepting Fellowship Applications

Our partners at the Constitutional Accountability Center are accepting applications for the Douglas T. Kendall Fellowship, a one-year fellowship designed for recent law school graduates to begin their careers in legal advocacy with a grounding in the progressive promise of the Constitution’s text, history, and values.

Know someone who may be interested?

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